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Best Ways To Spend New Year's Day In Pittsburgh

Shopping & Style Flea Market, Jewelry
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New Year's Day brings with it a fresh start for fun and adventure as well as the opportunity to squeeze in some final holiday memories. Whether you're trying to help the kids make the most of their remaining winter break or entertain out-of-town family and friends, there is plenty of excitement and entertainment to be had on New Year's Day in Pittsburgh. It doesn't matter whether you want to wake up early and breathe in some fresh air or sleep in and spend the evening exploring the gorgeous holiday light displays, January 1st brings something for everyone. Celebrate the arrival of 2016 at these five venues and events that guarantee memory-making fun for all ages.

MessFest
Carnegie Science Center
1 Allegheny Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 237-3400
www.carnegiesciencecenter.org

If the kids have been stuck indoors over the holiday break, the Carnegie Science Center wants to help them burn off some of their pent-up energy, and its annual MessFest is one of the messiest and most fun ways to do so! This huge kid-friendly event can best be described as slimy, gooey, icky and an absolute blast. Learn about Oobleck, create an "egg-stanaut" egg that you can launch into the air, participate in a pie-eating contest and get your hands on interactive experiments and exhibits. MessFest begins at 10 a.m. and is included in the price of admission to the Carnegie Science Center, located on Pittsburgh's North Shore.

Winter Flower Show Candlelight Evenings
Phipps Conservatory And Botanical Gardens
1 Schenley Park
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 622-6914
www.phipps.conservatory.org

The Winter Flower Show Candlelight Evenings is a fun, family-friendly flower event that will bring a little color into your gloomy winter season. Enjoy extended hours during which you can tour and explore the beauty of Phipps Conservatory And Botanical Gardens' winter blooms under the stunning evening light complete with holiday lights, props and decorations. This year's annual show is designed by Phipps Exhibit Coordinator Jordyn Melino and Terra Designs Studios, LLC and Winter Light Garden. Admission is $15 for adults, $11 for children ages 2-18, $14 for students and seniors and free to members and children under 2.

Steve Byrne Comedy Show
Pittsburgh Improv
166 E. Bridge St.
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 462-5233
pittsburgh.improv.com

Start your year off with a smile after the stress and chaos of the holiday season at the Pittsburgh Improv on Friday, Jan. 1 when comedian Steve Byrne returns to his hometown of Pittsburgh for a 7:30 p.m. show. Laugh along with the innovative and hilarious, high-energy comedy of this versatile and engaging entertainer. General admission tickets for Steve Byrne's New Year's Day show are available online through LaughStub.com for $20 per ticket. Please note that this is a 21-and-over show.

Related: Best Places For New Year's Day Brunch In Pittsburgh

South Hills YMCA First Day 5K
51 McMurray Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15241
(412) 833-5600
www.ymcaofpittsburgh.org

Start your year off on the right foot by pounding the pavement at the South Hills YMCA First Day 5K. For those who made a New Year's resolution to get fit and healthy, a New Year's Day race will help you get on track. Pace yourself over a paved 3.1-mile course that begins and ends in the South Hills YMCA parking lot and winds through the beautiful community of Bethel Park. This year's race is scheduled for a 10 a.m. start. All proceeds from the South Hills YMCA First Day 5K benefit the South Hills YMCA programs. Registration is available online.

Ross Park Mall
1000 Ross Park Mall Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
(412) 369-4400
www.simon.com

Score the biggest shopping sales of the year at Ross Park Mall with its post-holiday discounts and clearances. Browse the remaining deals on seasonal favorites from brands like Yankee Candle, Aldo, Coach, Vera Bradley, Bath & Body Works, The Apple Store, Tiffany & Co. and many others. With the Christmas shopping rush over, you'll find this North Hills mall less crowded than in previous weeks, so you can shop 'till you drop at exceptional prices. Ross Park Mall will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on New Year's Day.

Related: Best Winter Festivals In Pittsburgh

Jessica Wasik is a graduate of Robert Morris University with a degree in English Studies. She is also a contributing writer for AXS.com and Examiner.com. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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